Boulder judge throws out puppy stomping case against Edward McMorris

BOULDER, Colo. -
A Boulder County judge says there is no evidence a man kicked and stomped a 4-month-old puppy before dragging it by its leash.

Judge David Archuleta on Thursday dismissed charges of animal cruelty against Edward McMorris. McMorris is still facing a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a police officer.

Several witnesses told police that they saw McMorris stomp the puppy on its head and drag it away by a leash near a busy downtown intersection. The officer wrote that one of the witnesses said that the dog’s screams were “like a dog getting hit by a car screams.”

Police say the puppy was listless and unresponsive last month when it was taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Police said the dog was diagnosed with bruised ribs, however, an attorney for McMorris said the dog did not suffer any serious injuries.

The dog, named Tater, has been transferred to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley until charges against McMorris are resolved.

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